Tekirdağ industrial waste crisis threatens agriculture in Ballıhoca

An ongoing industrial waste crisis in the Ballıhoca neighborhood of Muratlı, Tekirdağ, is threatening local agriculture and resident health. For approximately 2.5 years, unidentified individuals have been illegally dumping industrial waste along roadsides, with the volume of debris increasing from roughly 10 truckloads to between 40 and 50 truckloads.

Local village headman Şaban Topçuoğlu reports that the waste, which is believed to include aluminum factory residues and coal dust from iron casting facilities, is causing severe environmental damage. The intense odor and chemical reactions are forcing farmers to harvest crops, such as sunflowers, prematurely in August instead of the usual September. There are also reports of burning signs on wheat and sunflower crops due to gas and odors.

Despite previous reports to the General Directorate of Highways, the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, and local authorities, residents claim no concrete action has been taken. Although barriers were installed on main roads, illegal dumpers are bypassing them via pastures and field paths. Residents have suggested installing solar-powered cameras to identify perpetrators and are calling for the immediate removal of the hazardous waste.